Clinic Overview

Patch testing is a method for detecting allergies to substances that come into contact with the skin.

Most patients will need to attend 3 appointments over a 5-day period. In some circumstances this will be extended to a 7-day period.

APPOINTMENT 1: Patients will have a detailed consultation with the dermatology registrar and specialist dermatologist, who will decide what needs to be tested from the series of chemicals available for testing and patients’ own items. The clinic nurse will then make up specific patches and apply them to your back and arms.

APPOINTMENT 2: The patches are removed and your back and arms are assessed to see if there have been any reactions or ‘red spots’ where the patches have been applied.

APPOINTMENT 3: The dermatologist will complete a second assessment of your back and arms to see if there have been any additional ‘red spots’ showing up where the patches were applied. The dermatologist will then discuss the results and whether these reactions are relevant to your skin condition. Occasionally there may be no reactions indicating there are no allergies, but this may mean the person has another type of skin condition. Patch testing is often part of a diagnostic pathway and eliminating allergy is part of this pathway.

DOWNLOAD CONTACT DERMATITIS & OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOLOGY PATCH TEST CLINIC INFORMATION

Referrals

Patients need a valid referral from a dermatologist. Please complete the
online referral form. 

We are transiting to only accepting online referrals for the Contact Dermatitis Clinic. Paper, fax and email referrals will gradually be phased out from January 2024. 

Clinic Schedule

Clinics are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday fortnightly.

Additional resources

For direct queries and/or to make an appointment


Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9623 9402

Consultants

Scroll to Top